Ehiogu was a constant presence in English football throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, making over 300 appearances for Aston Villa before joining Middlesbrough, playing for the north-east club over 100 times.

The Londoner also won four caps for his country, memorably scoring in a 3-0 friendly victory over Spain in Sven Goran-Eriksson's first game in charge of the Three Lions – a Spanish side that featured current Barcelona and Manchester City managers Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola –in 2001.

Tottenham's head of coaching and player development John McDermott, who worked alongside Ehiogu said: "Words cannot express the shock and sadness that we all feel at the club. Ugo's immense presence will be irreplaceable. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Gemma and his family."

The former centre-half had a 20-year playing career playing for six different clubs, who have immediately payed tribute to their former player.

Aston Villa have already announced plans to hold a minute's applause for their former player ahead of Sunday's derby with Birmingham City, with both sets of players to wear black armbands.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday shortly after the announcement of Ehihou's death, Villa boss Steve Bruce said: We are all shocked and devastated by the news – someone so young. Our thoughts are with his family. I played against him. Big Ron [former Villa boss Ron Atkinson] bought him for £45,000 – what a bargain. He was a great player."

Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell, who played alongside Ehiogu for England against Spain 16 years ago, led tributes from his former colleagues.